The Sustained Dialogue Campus Network (SDCN), a network of 16 colleges and universities across the nation, is coming to West Virginia University next fall.

Sustained Dialogueis a model of communication that addresses deep-seated social issues, from racism and religion, to sexual orientation and class differences in rural and urban communities. Its goal is to turn unhealthy relationships into positive ones.

An information booth in the Mountainlair student union will be set up March 22-24 and March 28-30, for students to complete a survey to address pressing issues on campus.

Organizers will use the survey data to initiate a series of campus dialogue groups beginning in Fall 2005.

The SDCN program is being developed by undergraduate students Tamara DeCenzo, of Bridgeville Pa.; Nilam Kumari and Lindsay Parenti, both of Morgantown; and Robby Queen, of Logan.

We would like to gain insight and feedback from students regarding the perceived needs across campus for sustained dialogue,said Dolly Ford, a faculty member in the Division of Social Work who is also helping develop the network.We see a need for such an organization at WVU .

For more information contact Ford at 304-293-3501, ext. 3102.

The Division of Social Work is housed in WVU s Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.